Md. At Forefront Of Cyber Security Job Training

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Cyber attacks on government and businesses are increasing, but that threat is creating an opportunity and Maryland is sitting in the middle of it. Alex DeMetrick reports jobs in cybersecurity are available now and a lot more are coming.

The hardware may be kept behind locked doors but cyber thieves are constantly probing for ways in. At the Pentagon alone, there are 360 million unauthorized probes every day. In the world of finance and business, thefts of data cost the US economy $20 billion a year.

“It’s sort of like high-tech detective work. There’s always a new way people try to steal data and you are always trying to learn that new way,” said Parabal CEO Peter Coddington.

Coddington is looking for those detectives at UMBC Training Centers, where cybersecurity is the focus.

“The bad guys are innovators. They’re out there coming up with better ways to attack us and so we need to be innovative in the kind of training and systems we develop,” said Center for Cybersecurity Director Jon Lau.

“I had no former knowledge about hacking culture. None,” said Mona Cannaday.

But learning how the enemy works is what the course is about.

“And so if you don’t have the skills, the knowledge and the tools available to help you implement that, you are vulnerable,” Cannaday said.

Demand for cybersecurity is high now but those doing the hiring say it is only beginning.

“I’d say over the next 10 years, it’s going to explode,” said Coddington.

There are currently 1,000 cybersecurity specialists capable of working in sensitive federal jobs. The demand is for up to 30,000 more and that doesn’t include the private sector.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in cyber security, UMBC Training Centers’ next Cybersecurity Certificate Programs and Advanced Courses Webinar is on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. Please visit their website for more information, www.umbctrainingcenters.com.

Alex DeMetrick

Alex DeMetrick has been a general assignment reporter with WJZ Eyewitness News since September 1984.
Alex began his journalism career in California.
Alex has received many awards from United Press International and The Associated Press. He...

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